FAQ’s

BUTTONNOSES Rescue

+ What is BUTTONNOSES Rescue all about?

BUTTONNOSES Save a Life Program (BUTTONNOSES Rescue) is a Toronto-based,teeny tiny dog rescue, dedicated to saving seniors and special needs pups-the ones that no one else wants.This is our way of giving back to the tiny dog community. We extend a helping hand to those little ones that are at risk of losing their homes or their lives, take them into our loving and nurturing foster homes provided by our compassionate dedicated, and highly skilled volunteers, provide funding for their care and medical needs, and find loving forever homes for them.
Under certain circumstances, some foster dogs are better off staying in our Forever Foster (Palliative Care) Program for the remainder of their living days, to ensure their continued and uninterrupted care.

+ Where do BUTTONNOSES foster dogs come from?

Our rescue dogs are primarily those that have been relinquished by their owners or who are transfers from partner shelters that need our specialized help because of health complications, ageing issues or timid personalities.

In very unique, extenuating and critical circumstances, we have had the opportunity to work with international rescues (and partner shelters) with great success, however our main focus remains closer to home.

On average, we rescue around 50 dogs per year and most come into our care with urgent medical needs.

+ Where are the rescue dogs kept?

All the dogs in our rescue are kept in loving foster homes, who will care for them like one of their own. Our amazing foster parents do not get paid. They open their hearts and their homes purely based on compassion and love for little furry friends in need.

+ Are BUTTONNOSES Rescue dogs vetted before adoption?

Many of the dogs we bring into our rescue are in need of medical attention, which may include dental work, infection treatments, blood tests, surgeries, specialist visits, alternative treatments, etc. Each dog is vetted according to their specific requirements.

+ How do you care for the dogs in BUTTONNOSES Foster Care?

At BUTTONNOSES Rescue, we have adopted a holistic approach to the care of all of our tiny rescue pups, which has been integral in helping them heal and live their best lives. We work with talented and passionate professionals who provide our doggos with traditional and holistic veterinary care, physiotherapy, water therapy, acupuncture, cryotherapy, Bowen Therapy, and who keep their tummies full with nutritious food and healing supplements.

+ What vaccine protocol is implemented on BUTTONNOSES Foster Dogs?

At BUTTONNOSES Rescue,we follow the guidelines recomended by the world-renowned veterinarian, Dr. Jean Dodds,DVM for stray and owner surrendered rescue dogs. We truely believe in and support a minimal vaccination protocol as we find that it is safest and in the best interest of our fragile little foster pups.

+ How can I contribute to BUTTONNOSES Rescue?

Simply by using our services, taking our classes and workshops, and participating in our fun paw-ties, you end up supporting our rescue. A minimum of 10% of our revenue (sometimes more) always goes directly towards our rescue work.

+ Can I make a bigger and more significant contribution?

Absolutely. You can always make a monetary donation, 100% of which will go to our rescue. You can either make a one time donation, or even better, become a monthly donor (which can be cancelled at any time).

+ Can you issue tax receipts?

Unfortunately we are not able to issue tax receipts at this time.

+ Can you issue refunds on donations?

No. All donations go straight towards the care of our foster dogs and are non-refundable.

+ How else can I help BUTTONNOSES Rescue?

Check out our rescue page and find out. There are so many other ways that you can make a difference in the precious life of a BUTTONNOSES Rescue Dog.

+ How can I surrender my dog to BUTTONNOSES Rescue?

You can contact us and let us know about your situation. Often times we try to work with you and provide guidance and assistance, in an effort to keep the dog in his / her current loving home. If it becomes clear that the dog cannot stay in his current situation any longer, we will get the surrender process started.

+ What if I want to adopt one of the BUTTONNOSES Rescue dogs?

Awesome! We appreciate your interest in adopting and offering a loving forever home to a rescue dog. We post our available dogs on our rescue page. If you see your potential doggy soulmate there, follow the instructions on the page. This will involve completing an application, providing references, and going through the application process.

+ What happens after the adoption?

At this point, you are officially part of the “BUTTONNOSES community of Tiny dogs with a BIG purpose”. We will not only follow up with you to make sure that you and your adopted pooch are adjusting well to your new life together, but we will always be here to help you with all your doggie needs. All you have to do is give us a shout if you need us.

+ What if things don’t work out after I bring the dog home?

Please be aware that there will always be a transition period before everything falls into place. If you need any assistance or guidance through this, don’t forget that we are here for you. Just give us a shout.
Despite everybody’s best efforts, we do understand that sometimes things just don’t work out. Please know that we are not only ready and willing to take the dog back, it is part of our Adoption Contract that the dog MUST be returned to us if the adopter cannot keep the dog any longer, at any point in the dog's life.

+ Is BUTTONNOSES a qualified pet service provider?

We strongly believe that the service provider you trust your precious pooch with should be experienced and knowledgable, pet first aid certified, insured and bonded, can provide client references and uses a solid service agreement or contract.

BUTTONNOSES is all of the above and more. Rest assured that your doggie is in highly qualified and capable hands.

+ What does it mean that you are insured and bonded?

We carry a liability insurance policy that protects us from financial loss in the event that we were liable for accidents that occur while caring for our pack members. Any responsible and professional business should carry liability insurance.
Our dishonesty bond gives you peace of mind that you will be reimbursed if anything goes missing while BUTTONNOSES is on your property. Anyone that has workers enter their home should be sure that they have a dishonesty bond.

+ What makes BUTTONNOSES even more special?

At BUTTONNOSES we are passionately committed to saving the lives of senior and special needs tiny dogs who are at risk of losing their homes or their lives.
By simply using our services, you automatically contribute to BUTTONNOSES Save a Life Progra(SALP) and help us save the lives of senior and special needs tiny dogs in need of a helping hand. A minimum of 10% (sometimes more) of our revenue , and 100% of the donations received from generous gold-hearted individuals like you, go directly towards SALP.

+ What pet care services do you offer?

We offer a variety of services to meet your tiny pooch's every need.
We offer daycare, boarding, middday potty breaks and pet taxi for teeny tiny doggies in small packs, in a home environment. Your pooch becomes a part of our family and will be treated like one of our own.

+ Do you offer cat visits too?

We adore our purrrry friends and would never leave them behind, because they have cute BUTTONNOSES too. Ask us about our Kitty Kompanion service. We would be happy to hold down the kitty fort while you are away.

+ What if a dog/cat becomes ill while in your care?

If we feel that something is wrong with your pet, we will make every effort to contact you or the alternate emergency info that you have provided us. If you believe that the dog should be seen by a vet, we will transport them to a vet's office for examination and treatment. We will try our best to take your pet to your regular vet if within reasonable distance. Otherwise, we will try a loical vet clinic.

In the event that we cannot reach you, we will decide if a veterinarian should see the pet. You will be responsible for any vet bills that may occur while your pet is in our care.

+ What is your health or aggression policy?

For the safety of your dog and that of the humans and other pack members in our care,we reserve the right to refuse any services if your dog is sick or shows signs of aggression.

+ Does my dog need to be registered and licensed in the jurisdiction he lives in?

It is entirely up to you whether you license your dog in your municipality. However, if we get checked by the authorities while we are walking your dog, you will be responsible for the payment of any fines that we may receive as a result of your unlicensed dog.

+ How do you "discipline" dogs in your care?

At BUTTONNOSES we believe in positive reinforecement ONLY. We will never hit, spank, yank the leash, yell, shock, grab, or do anything harsh to harm your dog's fragile and precious well being, either physically or emotionally. If we notice any behavioural issues, we inform the parents and together we work out a solution.

+ Will you watch my pet(s) in my own home?

Although house sitting (daytime or overnight) is not something we offer on a regular basis, give us a shout and we will try our best to work something out and accomodate your request.

+ Do you have a cancellation policy?

We sure do. Here it is.

+ How does my tiny dog get started and join the pack?

We are not currently accepting any new pack members, but feel free to give us a shout and discuss your needs. We may be able to help if we have any cancellations, or add you to the wait list.